All posts by ZarahSilverstone

UPDATE 6: 28/06/2016 13:29 – Dortmund CEO has confirmed that United have increased their offer meaning that the deal is likely. It would appear previous reports (see below) were correct. Its believed the offer has been increased to £32m. Read more here.

UPDATE 5: 27/06/2016 08:07 – Both clubs have agreed a deal worth £26.3m according to reports, which is less than previously reported. Personal terms have also been agreed. Mkhitaryan is expected to undergo a medical next week. Read more here.

UPDATE 4: 24/06/2016 22:12 – Negotiations come to a halt as United are unwilling to increase their bid from £30m to Dortmund’s valuation of £32.6m. But with just a year left on Mkhitaryan’s contract, United could have the upper hand. Read more here.

UPDATE 3: 23/06/2016 16:20 – Latest reports suggest that Borussia Dortmund will be open to allowing Henrikh Mkhitaryan to leave providing an offer of at least €40m (approximately £31m) is made. We know that United made a revised bid of £28m plus add-ons (see update 1 below) so it may only be a matter of time until a deal is done. Read more here.

UPDATE 2: 23/06/2016 04:05 – Fresh doubt has been cast over the transfer of Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Manchester United as player’s agent, Mino Raiola, throws a chair during heated discussions with Dortmund representatives.

Speaking to German media outlet Bild, Raiola had this to say:

“Henrikh is not the type to have conflicts, he leaves that to me. We will not give up!”

“We [Raiola and Dortmund chief, Watzke] have both taken very different views and fight for them like lions. Watzke walks 180 degrees into one direction and I 180 degrees into the other. But even though it does not look like it right now, I still hope for a sensible solution.”

“Such an offer to join Manchester United might only come once in a lifetime for a player and nobody can guarantee us that the door will still be open for Micki next season. Manchester are Micki’s dream club, he wants to join them by any means.”

UPDATE 1: 21/06/2016 23:00 – After testing Dortmunds resolve with an initial low bid, United have considered the German clubs £31m evaluation and tabled a fresh bid of £28m plus add ons. Read more here.

The wingers agent, Mino Raiola, admitted to press this week that they are trying to ‘resolve the situation’ for the move to be completed.

Mino Raiola said:

“He wants to go to Manchester United and we are still trying to resolve the situation.

“We are still talking to Dortmund.”

“We are trying to be reasonable.”

“They are aware that Micki wants to leave now.”

The 27-year-old impressed at Dortmund last season, making him a high prospect for the summer transfer window.

Liverpool are also known to have been interested in the Armenian international.

Borussia Dortmund have already lost defender Mats Hummels to Bayern Munich and Ilkay Gundongan to Manchester City, so they would be unlikely to allow another one of their highly talented players leave.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, the club chief executive of Borussia Dortmund, said:

“We have discussed the question of an early transfer in all club bodies and came to the conclusion that Mkhitaryan will stay in Dortmund next season.”

The club boss, Thomas Tuchel, will attempt to resist his transfer this summer if he can help it.

Henrikh’s contract with Dortmund ends in June 2017 and he isn’t wishing to extend this.

In just 52 appearances at the club he has scored 23 goals and created 32 assists.

If you’re unfamiliar with Mkhitaryan’s attacking style of play, take a look at this video:

Other clubs such as Arsenal have always been tipped to be bidding for the winger this summer.

Mkhitaryan is reportedly priced at £25 million.

Here’s how social media reacted to the Mkhitaryan transfer news:

https://twitter.com/JoseMourinhoLad/status/740999247609405440

Close race… Mkhitaryan for me. Has all the attributes needed as a number 10. Can play on the right side too. #mufc

During ‘The Paddy Crerand Show’ on Monday on MUTV, Paddy announced: “You know something as well which happened today that nobody has mentioned?

“And I’m delighted he has signed another contract, Michael Carrick.”

“He’s signed a contract for another year hasn’t he?”

The camera then cut to Mark Sullivan, presenter of MUTV, who then explained that there hadn’t been ‘official word’ of the rumour.

Michael Carrick has recently been spotted in Monaco for the Formula One GP where he spoke to Sky Sports News HQregarding his future at the club: “I’m hopeful (of staying). There’s no news as yet but we’ll have to wait and see what happens next week.

“I haven’t got a timescale on it to be honest. This week has been a bit crazy with the new manager so I’ve come away to get away from it. We’ll take it up next week.”

If Carrick has signed a new contract with the club, he’ll be looking forward to the new season as he also expressed his excitement over the new manager Jose Mourinho: “‘His track record speaks for itself, I think it’s a good fit.

“It’s about winning at the end of the day.”

“I know there’s a lot of talk about styles and playing this way or that way.”

“But it’s about winning, it’s about being No 1.”

“It’s about winning trophies and if we can do that with a bit of style and a bit of flair then obviously that’s the perfect match. But first and foremost it’s about winning and getting back on top.”

Carrick was bought for £14 million from Tottenham in 2006 and has made 658 appearances for the club.

It’s also reported that clubs such as his former side West Ham, Arsenal, Newcastle and Everton have all shown interest in Carrick this Summer transfer window.

Michael Carrick hasn’t been short of honours at United, having won the title with them five times, the FA Cup this year and the Champions League in 2008 – so if experience is what clubs are looking for, Carrick is sure to fit the bill.

More free time will be on the cards for Carrick this Summer to look over his options as it’s been revealed he won’t be in the squad for Euro 2016.

With the announcement that Jose Mourinho is Manchester United’s new manager, Mata’s future at the club is in question.

In Jose Mourinho’s time at Stamford Bridge, he decided to allow Juan Mata to go to Old Trafford at ease which sparks the question whether he’ll let go of the Spaniard as easily this time round.

Barcelona, the La Liga giants, have been heavily linked with Mata for some time now and as he’ll now be under Mourinho’s United, that might tempt the 28-year-old to make the move.

Mundo Deportivo have reported that Barcelona are looking to strengthen their squad this season to try and gain European victory in the Champions League next season.

The Nou Camp already boasts impressive talent under the likes of world class stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Juan Mata has impressive stats himself which have impressed Barcelona such as his 89% pass accuracy and his FA Cup final goal really put him into their high priority of summer transfer targets.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t included in the Euro 2016 squad for Spain so is desperate to get back to winning ways which the move to Spain could offer him.

Mata looks dissatisfied after being subbed by Mourinho at Chelsea (Picture: metro.co.uk)History may repeat itself again as Sportsmail has reported that his advisors are set to discuss Mata’s future at United with Mourinho to make sure he still has an active role – this is the same action that took place two years ago before Mata was sold to Manchester United.

The £37.1 million transfer from Chelsea is desperate to stay at the club and has shown this with his passionate display at Wembley in the FA Cup final.

Mata is currently in Catalonia, fuelling the rumours that he is considering the move back to Spain.

As Mata is back under Mourinho’s wing, could history repeat itself? Will he make the move to the Spanish giants? Do you want him to stay at the club?
Comment below and let us know!

Roma are set to be putting in an offer for Fellaini to move their this summer.

The Serie A side are looking to fill the boots of Radja Nainggolan who is set to go to Chelsea.

Roma have been reportedly scouting the Belgian since January and believe he is the right man for the job.Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that Roma are willing to splash out £15 million on the midfielder.

Manchester United are reportedly planning on keeping the 28-year-old, but could be tempted to leave if the offer is tempting.

It will have to take a lot to tear Fellaini away from Old Trafford as his contract still has two years left, which runs out in the summer of 2018.

Fellaini was bought in September 2013 for a last second deadline day £27.5 million transfer from Everton, reuniting him with his old manager, David Moyes.

The midfielder however was spotted watching Roma vs Napoli this Monday 25 April, which sparks rumours that he is set to leave the club this summer.